Sharks coach John Plumtree is reportedly interested in securing the services of All Black centre Ma’a Nonu ahead of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

Nonu, who has recently been shown the door by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammet is high on the shopping list of a number of sides and it’s important to realise that the Sharks are just one of a large number of parties who may be interested in his services. No further negotiations or discussions have taken place at this stage and it’s by no means clear whether the Sharks would be able to afford the player, nor convince him that Durban is the best place for him to continue his career.

One thing working in Plumtree’s favour is that he has a long-standing relationship with the player, going back to the former’s days as Wellington coach. Let’s not forget, though, that Plumtree has been known to make these sorts of “job offers” in the press, without their being much substance to them. The last high profile player linked to the Sharks in this way was Welsh playmaker Gavin Henson, whom Plumtree got to know well during his days at Swansea.

More on this one if anything develops, but put it down to very early speculation at this stage.

Would he be more of a disruption to the team dynamic and spirit than he’s worth? Or do you think Plum could get the best out of him? I reckon it depends on how NZ do in the World Cup as to whether he comes here or not – if they choke, he’ll want as far away from there as possible for a year or two. I know it’s all speculation, but I have a feeling this might happen.

Comment 4, posted at 20.06.11 12:41:40 by MerckZ

Comment 5, posted at 20.06.11 12:41:58 by MysticShark

I just ask someone this weekend,we need a guy like that in the back minus the yelllows.

come on sharks do this till our young centers come through.

Comment 6, posted at 20.06.11 12:42:55 by Honey Badger

I do not understand the sharks sometimes i mean beet goes on and on and on about the sharks academy and how professional it is…i mean the sharks will probably get dries swanepoel and jan serfontein and the next gloden boy at centre the following year…hell even add young pieter jordaan…with Piet lindeque..jordann..williams…fisher and your wynad pienaars in the set up why not back these guys?????????
Why contract young talented centres in South Africa but when there is an opportunity why get nonu???
Back your systems sharkies.

I also believe we should back the youngsters BUT I would be lying if I said that I wouldn’t like seeing Nonu next to Lambie in a Sharks jersey!

That would be friggen awesome!

Comment 9, posted at 20.06.11 12:47:58 by Pokkel

Oh hell NO!

Comment 10, posted at 20.06.11 12:50:46 by Jarson (AddicteD)

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 3) : Whilst I agree with you in principle, I think someone like Lindeque – who will be phenomenal – has another year or so to go before cracking the Super XV starting 13 spot. Terblanche WILL retire, whether he likes it or not, so any depth and experience is good. I just don’t know if he’s a likeable bloke like Freddie, and won’t fit in.

Comment 11, posted at 20.06.11 12:52:55 by MerckZ

@Muzi (Comment 7) : I’m with our esteemed Bulls-supporting friend on this one; Bosman has shown us over the past two weeks what he is capable of, so don’t undermine him just when he’s finding his groove by bringing in someone like Nonu. Back Bosman and give the younger guys game time in the Currie Cup, with the eye on preparing for next year’s Super rugby tournament.

Comment 12, posted at 20.06.11 12:53:44 by Culling Song

Makes no sense.

Comment 13, posted at 20.06.11 12:54:12 by Big Fish

@Pokkel (Comment 9) : I played against lambie in grade 8 in the michaelhose under 14 tournament he was tiny but a strong stocky fella to bring down i remember our well gifted but irratic flyhalf at school bouncing lambie but that was ages ago lambie is on the up and he will be the next dan carter of sa rugby

Comment 14, posted at 20.06.11 12:54:20 by Muzi

@Culling Song (Comment 12) : Bosman just needed time he will repay the sharks mark my words he will even get better!

Comment 15, posted at 20.06.11 12:55:41 by Muzi

Hey Ben. What did I tell you?

Comment 16, posted at 20.06.11 13:09:18 by GeneralSpecific

Big NO NO! I’m with you guys let’s back the youngsters like our neighbours in the Cape. Stop buying the has beens! How old is Ma’a now?

@Muzi (Comment 15) : I agree. If Bosman had Adi next to him they would have created havock against the Bulls this weekend. Stef wasn’t that bad though.

Comment 19, posted at 20.06.11 13:11:59 by Ben

Pass

Comment 20, posted at 20.06.11 13:16:45 by lostfish

Anyone have any idea if Lindeque might be playing in the centres for the Currie Cup?

Comment 21, posted at 20.06.11 13:17:19 by lostfish

Look as much as I am excited by our upcoming centres, they are more than likely two to three years away from playing regularly in SupeRugby. I say get Nonu in a Shark jersey with a one year contract with the option to extend and then get Plum a Bells. Plum was the the person that gave Nonu his break, and he mentored him. So if there is any one that can get the best out of Nonu it’s Plum

@KingRiaan (Comment 22) : I agree with u n besides nonu is a big gun..would be great to have a big lad in our channels..

Comment 27, posted at 20.06.11 13:25:27 by shaniboi

@lostfish (Comment 21) : I hope at least one of the youngsters does. I have to be honest though, I have only seen him play a handful of times in the under20 cup, but was not impressed with Paul Jordaan. In the first game he was invisible (not entirely his fault), in the second game as a sub his only notable contribution was missing a shocker of a tackle on the Irish wing and planting his head in a bush and in the last game again as a sub, his most notable contribution was dropping a regulation pass that ended the game. Im sure he is better than this, but on that evidence, hes not ready for senior level call up.

Comment 28, posted at 20.06.11 13:25:48 by Pablo Dinero

I am one of those who were made to eat my words about Bosman, but can you imagine what it would do for the competition between Bosman and Nonu as Bosman does not have any notable competition for the no12 jersey at the moment.

Comment 29, posted at 20.06.11 13:31:41 by KingRiaan

I quite like Nonu. but somewhat surprised by this – has the Bloem spring dried out ?

Comment 30, posted at 20.06.11 13:35:05 by rekinek

The guy is a disruptive plonker, leave him to go anywhere he wants other than Dbn.

@robdylan (Comment 32) : As I said I know very little about him, and if he is only 18, he has time to develop, which is great. Not everyone can be a Frans Steyn or Pat Lambie. Lindique and Heimar are presumably in the same boat. A Nonu signing to teach them the ropes and bridge the gap may not be a bad case then, as long as a succession plan is in place and they youngsters are not discouraged.

Comment 34, posted at 20.06.11 13:40:34 by Pablo Dinero

@KingRiaan (Comment 29) : The thing is Bosman would then still have no competition for the 12 jersey. Nonu will be suspended all of the time.;) This would be like when we bought that big Tongan or Samoan, can’t remember his name. Look how that turned out for us.

Comment 35, posted at 20.06.11 13:42:29 by Ben

@KingRiaan (Comment 29) : The thing is Bosman would then still have no competition for the 12 jersey. Nonu will be suspended all of the time. This would be like when we bought that big Tongan or Samoan, can’t remember his name. Look how that turned out for us.

Comment 36, posted at 20.06.11 13:42:46 by Ben

@Ben (Comment 35) : You forgot Epi No wonder he played 2 …hmmm sorry more like a game and 10 minutes

The problem with Nonu is he will run over Bosman during practice and then get suspended and we will have no centres.

Centres are all about the combination. You could have two excpetional players next to each other, but if they don’t click, they will seem only average. Likewise, you can have two avergae contres, that makes an excellent combination. I hope they keep this in mind.

Comment 45, posted at 20.06.11 14:29:11 by Crock

@Crock (Comment 45) : I don’t think there’s a man anywhere in the Sharks set up who has the foggiest idea what you’re talking about

Comment 46, posted at 20.06.11 14:57:47 by robdylan

I still want to see what JLP can do at 12.

Comment 47, posted at 20.06.11 15:20:04 by vanmartin

@vanmartin (Comment 47) : don’t get your hopes up… at least, not in a Sharks jersey

Comment 48, posted at 20.06.11 15:21:42 by robdylan

I’d be happy for Nonu to play a season in Durban, but the Sharks can’t compete with Europe for salaries…

@robdylan, and that’s sad! Look at the Bulls’ combination of a few years ago. Ettienne Botha and Frikkie Welsh. Not the best individuals, but an excellent combination. Neither of the two played Springboks if I’m correct.

Comment 51, posted at 20.06.11 15:41:26 by Crock

@Muzi:do you think the sharks will get both the grey centres?will be quite a coup if they do..

Comment 52, posted at 20.06.11 18:08:24 by bergshark

Just heard over the radio that there is rumoured interest in corey jane(hurricanes) from the western force..piri weepu also rumoured to be still waiting for a hurricanes contract..problems in the ‘Canes set-up?

Comment 53, posted at 20.06.11 18:36:33 by bergshark

@vanmartin: where to play jlp in the team? Can’t be on the bench or training field the whole season..!hope he has had his bad kicking form now at the start of his 3 year contract..and that we can expect only better when he is selected again..

Comment 54, posted at 20.06.11 18:41:26 by bergshark

**Urgent** what’s this crap I hear that Mostert is leaving the Sharks and going to France. Apparently his agent negotiated a release and this will be announced on Wednesday. If this is true..screw you PDivvy. You chasing our future away with your shit. Selecting Muller who has a year left.

Comment 55, posted at 20.06.11 18:49:25 by GreatSharksays

Hope this is only a rumour ..would be really sad if true..and not very smart by sharks management if they allowed this..will leave sharks with only hargs,skeate,bresler as real options at lock for this year’s cc..

Comment 56, posted at 20.06.11 19:12:46 by bergshark

Hope this is not true..but why would sharks allow this with sykes also on his way..?hope this is only a malicious rumour..

Comment 57, posted at 20.06.11 19:14:58 by bergshark

Mostert is only 26 .. Why would he leave?bakkies and vic gone at the end of this season..well ,I guess bakkies could still be called up for duty since he hasn’t retired(will still be playing for another 3 seasons in france).

Comment 58, posted at 20.06.11 19:18:28 by bergshark

@bergshark (Comment 52) : I think you guys will get dries swanepole and jan serfontein i will try to find out in the next few weeks where the two are going..i believe serfonten will not join the bulls but stay a cheetahs ot go to durban….

Comment 59, posted at 20.06.11 19:28:12 by Muzi

@bergshark (Comment 58) : I know, that we had him for at least another 4 years. Hope it’s not true..we need him.

Comment 60, posted at 20.06.11 19:33:45 by GreatSharksays

@Muzi: thanks _ will really appreciate that.

Comment 61, posted at 20.06.11 19:40:07 by bergshark

@GreatSharkSays: I’m hoping it is just a crazy rumour..

Comment 62, posted at 20.06.11 19:41:19 by bergshark

@GreatSharksays (Comment 60) : Thought we had him for at least another 4 years.

Comment 63, posted at 20.06.11 19:55:10 by GreatSharksays

Keep us posted on this,please..hope it turns out to be just a rumour without any truth to it..

Comment 64, posted at 20.06.11 20:05:41 by bergshark

I’m sure Mossie or anybody else wouldn’t be concentrating on anything other than this weekend’s game!

goyougoodthing2 didnt want to give a name earlier on Keo but he was also talking of a player going to France and was going to leave six months short of his contract term

Comment 67, posted at 20.06.11 20:45:31 by sharks_lover

@robdylan (Comment 65) : Can’t reveal Rob but my source is sure…it’s him and another lock in Cape Town…

Comment 68, posted at 20.06.11 21:01:36 by GreatSharksays

??!! .. That will be a huge loss..
Can’t believe the sharks management would’ve agreed to it so quick after the departure of sykes..??

Comment 69, posted at 20.06.11 21:07:52 by bergshark

What is the thinking behind letting both sykes and mostert (if confirmed) go??two enforcer-type locks in a matter of 3 months?

Comment 70, posted at 20.06.11 21:10:57 by bergshark

Hope your source is wrong about mostert..

Comment 71, posted at 20.06.11 21:12:44 by bergshark

@Ben (Comment 66) : Well PDivvy keeps on selecting players that are past their prime…i.e. Muller and co. You need to keep young players interested by showing them or letting them know that you are considering them. How long did it take PDivvy to actually acknowledge Duane, Keegan etc?? Sykes had enough and thinks that he has a better chance in Ireland. Yes, we have a lot of talent in the country but let’s not let real talent leave. How many players have the Sharks lost because they go sick and tired of PDivvy? Ruan, Frans etc. Sorry, I’m just upset. We can comment about this after the Super 15 final. We need to focus on the next 3 games.

Comment 72, posted at 20.06.11 21:13:36 by GreatSharksays

@bergshark (Comment 70) : How long does Mossie have left on his contract?

Comment 73, posted at 20.06.11 21:14:02 by Ben

And last season we let rhodes go to the lions..??bewildering if it turns out to be confirmed..holding thumbs it is only a malicious rumour ..

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 83) : Well, Bresler is a hybrid lock and may be able to do the job at 4. If this happens, I’m sure Oom Rudi has a plan.

Comment 89, posted at 20.06.11 21:38:16 by war1

@Ben (Comment 76) : He has been on the injury list for a while so it was difficult for him to show his value. I do believe that he is good and was happy when he joined us. He could have been a Bok.

Comment 90, posted at 20.06.11 21:38:46 by GreatSharksays

@GreatSharkSays: thanks ..but I’m not going to venture a guess of which one..though I heard rumourd of van zyl bein linked with a moved back to the lions-maybe they meant france..
Off the topic:do you know of anyone who have the sharka vs bulls game on dvd?

Comment 91, posted at 20.06.11 21:39:08 by bergshark

@GreatSharkSays: thanks ..but I’m not going to venture a guess of which one..though I heard rumours of van zyl being linked with a move back to the lions-maybe they meant france..
Off the topic:do you know of anyone who have the sharka vs bulls game on dvd?

@bergshark (Comment 77) : I thought he would at least stay for 4 years before he went overseas. Bressler is an up and coming star, I think he’s a no.5 though and not a number 4. No.4s just look mean and scary…something like Bakkies..lol.

Comment 96, posted at 20.06.11 21:43:12 by GreatSharksays

Mossie was an inspired signing by sharks..shame we also didn’t sign the other “mossie” also when he approached the sharks..:-(

Comment 97, posted at 20.06.11 21:45:17 by bergshark

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 95) : Exactly. Makes no sense that the Sharks will let him go if he has a long period left on his contract. Mossie is still young and will get a chance to impress the Bok coaches playing no4 regularly for the Sharks. Where imo if he leaves for France he won’t get a chance to play for the Boks.

@GreatSharkSays: yes,something like bakkies or the klitschko brothers ..but bakkies was “only” 108kg spread over 2.02m back in 2002..but he was keen on mixing it with the big boys even then as a young light weight..so as to speak..

Comment 100, posted at 20.06.11 21:51:06 by bergshark

Mostert is a nice guy, I have met him and I am sure he will not let the Sharks down intentionally..

He was looking forward to getting himself in the Black and White jersey, a jersey that he is proud to wear..

Wouldve liked to have rhodes still in the mix back at the shark tank..wasn’t impressed when I read the sharks let him go..

Comment 102, posted at 20.06.11 21:53:21 by bergshark

@Richard Ferguson (Comment 101) : I hope there is no truth to this speculation. Went to the same school as Mostert. He was 2 or 3 years ahead of me.

Comment 103, posted at 20.06.11 21:54:28 by Ben

Well,nothing has been confirmed yet..hope the source is wrong..

Comment 104, posted at 20.06.11 21:55:24 by bergshark

@Ben (Comment 103) : Was that Rustenburg high school. Obviously the Afrikaans version of that but can’t find that funny e without which it doesn’t mean high school anymore.

Comment 105, posted at 20.06.11 21:58:42 by war1

@Ben (Comment 84) : Balance in a team is very important, one of your locks needs to be a work horse and Mostert is just that. Imo the Matfield/Bekker combo would only work if you have for example a Duane, Alberts, Hendrik combo…2 big physical loose forwards and an fetcher. Was looking forward to the Mostert/Bressler combo in the future..I think the likes of Bressler and Ezebeth are going to be a different breed of no.5s. Athletic, smart, good lineout yet very physical.

Maybe johan muller on his way back..? When does his contract end.?though I’d prefer mossie stays and we give bresler more game time..which was always going to be the logical approach after sykes announced he is leaving the sharks..so in essence,we will now be looking for a new lock replacement..isn’t skeate’s contract up at the end of next year also?october.?or october this year?someone find out?

Comment 108, posted at 20.06.11 22:01:15 by bergshark

@war1 (Comment 105) : The school kids used to steal the 2 dots from the “e” on the big sign with the name of the school.

Comment 109, posted at 20.06.11 22:04:29 by Ben

@GreatSharksays (Comment 106) : I agree. I was looking forward to seeing this combination;

@Ben (Comment 109) : A friend of mine’s sister went there straight from an english school and couldn’t pronounce the name properly when she first went there, it was quite funny. I had two years at Grenville High, matriculated there.

Comment 113, posted at 20.06.11 22:10:29 by war1

Skeate not the enforcer-type lock.

Comment 114, posted at 20.06.11 22:12:04 by bergshark

@Ben (Comment 111) : Skeate seems like a strange oke but he does give us depth which will be needed.